US woman sells hugs for Rs 3,200 an hour

Jackie Samuel (29) uses the money made from cuddling with up to 30 men a week, including pensioners and war veterans, to help pay for her studies and provide for her young son.

There are strict rules: the snuggling only takes place in her New York home, and clients are banned from touching parts of her body covered by her underwear, which she wears under her pyjamas. She charges $60 (Rs 3,200) an hour.

“Snuggling is healthy, spiritual and fun,” she said. “I think clients come to me for all different kinds of reasons. Some of my older clients, their wives have passed away, and they just need someone to be with, like someone to experience touch with. Some of the younger clients are between relationships, some are in problematic relationships.